Magical India and Nepal

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport, transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel in Delhi

Day 02: Delhi - Jaipur

This morning after breakfast proceed to half day tour of old and New Delhi. In old Delhi visit The Jama Masjid (the largest mosque of India with capacity of approx 25000 people at a time) , and drive pass through the Red fort and Chandni Chowk, visit Raj Ghat (memorial to Mahatma Gandhi). Then visit New Delhi, drive pass through Rashtrapati bhawan ( formerly the viceroy’s residence), Parliament house, India gate (memorial to the Indian army soldiers who died in the world war I). Visit Qutub Minar (12th century, 72 metres) ( the highest sands stone minaret in the world )and the ruins of Quwat-ul-Islam( Might of Islam) Mosque. See Delhi’s most curious antique, the uncorroded Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD. Overnight at hotel.

Late afternoon, you will drive to the pink city of Jaipur. Maharaja Jai Singh II built Jaipur in the 18th century. It is a planned city built with ancient Hindu rules as the colonial capital of a richly colorful state. The whole city was painted pink to welcome the visit of Prince Albert in 1853. On arrival check in the hotel. Overnight in the Hotel

Day 03 Jaipur

This morning after breakfast visit the Amber fort, built in 16th century, situated a top the Amber hill. Enjoy an elephant ride at Amber.(Elephant ride optional). Drive past the Hawa Mahal-a Palace of winds. In the afternoon you will visit the City Palace (the principal residence of the ruling family and is known for its stunning architecture) and museum, walk to adjacent Jantar Mantar (an astronomical observatory raised in 18th century). If time permits then visit handicraft factory specializing in hand woven carpets & textiles. Witness how silk carpets are made. Rest of the evening is at leisure. Enjoy the Dinner with folk dance performed by various artists. (Optional). Stay overnight at hotel in Jaipur.

Day 04 Jaipur - Agra ( 237 Kms / 5 hrs))

This morning after breakfast you will drive to Mughal city Agra. Enroute visit Abhaneri step well (Chand Baoli) is a famous step well situated in the village. Abhaneri, a small town village located at a distance of 95 KMs from Jaipur- Agra higheay.

Then visit Fatehpur Sikri ( city of victory), the deserted red sandstone city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during the second half of the 16th century, it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 15 years. It was abandoned by akbar due to scarcity of water. Its also known as Ghost city. Late afternoon check in hotel. At the end of your day, visit to live show “Mohabbat the Taj- saga of love” (optional) at Kalakriti cultural and convention centre in Agra. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 05 Agra

Rise early this morning for a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal arriving at the entrance gate by Tonga (horse carriage) to view this incredible and extravagant monument. Build in the 17th c. by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it took 22 years and 20,000 men to build it; the white marble transported to the site by elephants from a quarry 250 miles away. The perfect proportions of the Taj Mahal and the delicate inlay marble work are amazing. Return to your hotel after the sunrise tour for a buffet breakfast. Then visit Agra Fort, situated around the bank of the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. Construction of the red sandstone walls and gates of the fort was began by Akbar as the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire. Enlarged by successive generations including Shah Jehan, who had the Moti Majid (Pearl Mosque), Royal Pavilions, & Hall of Public Audience added and Aurangzeb who added outer ramparts. From the towers of the fort you can see the nearby Taj Mahal. Later visit a cottage industry to witness skilled craftsmen doing fine marbel inlay work.
After lunch, visit Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb, also known as the ‘Baby Taj’, is the first monument in India built entirely in marble. Late afternoon you can enjoy different shade of Taj Mahal from other side of river Yamuna. Overnight in the Hotel

Day 07 Agra - Jhansi / Khajuraho

After breakfast transfer to the railway station to connect train Bhopal Shatabadi – 0817 / 1048 Hrs to Jhansi. On arrival continue drive to Khajuraho. On arrival in Khajuraho check in at the hotel Khajuraho is the home to the most famous erotic temples built in the 10 & 11th century by the Chandella Rulers. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 08 Khajuraho / Varanasi

After breakfast, visit The Eastern Group of temples mainly dedicated to the Jain teachers – Tirthankaras – The Parsvanatha Temple, the Adinatha Temple and the Santinatha Temple. The temples are ornately carved on the outside with beautiful figures of Hindu gods, goddesses. Also visit the Western Group of temples, which consist of a group of artistic temples built in sandstone. The sculptures of Hindu deities, dancers and musicians appear to be so natural as if they would come alive any time.
Later transfer to the airport to connect flight to Varanasi, on arrival check in at the hotel In the afternoon take an excursion trip to Sarnath, 9 km from Varanasi, one of Buddhism’s major centers in India. In the evening walk through the oldest and most famous narrow and winding lanes of the city, past the endless human panorama - pilgrims, worshipers, sadhus, children selling flowers and floating lights to place in the river - to arrive at the ghats at the Ganges to witness the Aarti Ceremony which is part of the evening pooja or prayers. During the ceremony deepas (oil lamps) are offered to Mother Ganga with thanks and devotion for the light of the sun and for her divine light. As the aarti fire ceremonies take place, bells are rung and chanting and singing provide a fascinating, magical and spiritual conclusion to the days end. Overnight stay in the hotel

Day 09 Varanasi / Kathmandu (By flight)

Today early morning you experience the life of this ancient city. See the beauty of the rising sun on the Ganges Boat Ride. Experience the early morning rituals of the Hindus being performed, thousands of people taking a bath in the holy river believing they will be free from the circle of rebirth. It is interesting to see the pilgrims offering sweets, flowers and holy water to the Sun God. After breakfast morning is free at leisure. Later transfer to the airport and connect flight to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 11 Kathmandu

After breakfast, checkout from hotel. Transfer to airport to board the flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival visit the Bollywood city of India which includes the visit to Marine Drive, Mani Bhawan, Hanging Gardens and Gateway of India. “Gateway of India” is the 26 m high British built Arch Indo-Saracenic style, Mumbai’s landmark built in 1927. It is Mumbai’s most popular promenade and favourite sunset watching spot.

Day 12 Kathmandu

Morning, drive through the Nepalese countryside and visit Patan, known as the "City of Grace and Fine Arts". Here you will be able to see Patan's interesting and beautiful pieces of art and architecture. Also visit the particularly interesting Tibetan Refugee Craft Center.Afternoon, excursion to Bhatgaon (also called Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees). It is a centre of medieval art and architecture. The legendary city was founded by King Ananda Deva in 889 AD and is shaped like a conch-shell. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. Visit Durbar Square and Nyatapala Temple - a 5 storied pagoda style temple. Also excursion to Pashupatinath- Dedicated to Lord Shiva this Pagoda style temple is situated on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river. It has a gilted roof and a richly carved silver door and is one of the holiest temples in the entire Hindu world. Pashupatinath is the centre of an annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivratri. Only Hindus are allowed to go inside the courtyard of the temple. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11 Kathmandu

Morning, drive through the Nepalese countryside and visit Patan, known as the "City of Grace and Fine Arts". Here you will be able to see Patan's interesting and beautiful pieces of art and architecture. Also visit the particularly interesting Tibetan Refugee Craft Center.Afternoon, excursion to Bhatgaon (also called Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees). It is a centre of medieval art and architecture. The legendary city was founded by King Ananda Deva in 889 AD and is shaped like a conch-shell. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. Visit Durbar Square and Nyatapala Temple - a 5 storied pagoda style temple.
Also excursion to Pashupatinath- Dedicated to Lord Shiva this Pagoda style temple is situated on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river. It has a gilted roof and a richly carved silver door and is one of the holiest temples in the entire Hindu world. Pashupatinath is the centre of an annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivratri. Only Hindus are allowed to go inside the courtyard of the temple. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 13 Kathmandu- Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning is at leisure.

Optional

This morning, weather permitting, you will take what promises to be one of the most thrilling flights of your life - the Himalayan Mountain Flight. During a one-hour flight, the plane flies at close range along the Himalayas - the world's highest and most majestic peaks, and your view from the plane window is spectacular, especially when you finally see Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in earth. Late afternoon transfer from hotel to the airport in time for flight to Delhi. Transfer to Delhi International Airport to board your flight for onwards journey.